Drug interactions
Ethinylestradiol + Metformin-pioglitazone
Severity: Moderate
Ethinylestradiol and Metformin-pioglitazone: moderate interaction.
Last updated
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Pioglitazone has been associated with reduced ethinylestradiol exposure, which could theoretically lower contraceptive reliability. Ethinylestradiol may also impair glucose tolerance and slightly oppose the effect of metformin and pioglitazone.
What this interaction means in plain words
Ethinylestradiol and Metformin-pioglitazone can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.
Why it happens
Pioglitazone may lower ethinylestradiol levels by a mechanism not clearly established, and estrogens reduce insulin sensitivity.
What to do
Advise use of a back-up contraceptive method or a non-hormonal option if contraception is critical. Monitor blood glucose when starting or stopping the contraceptive.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Should I take them at different times of day?
- Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
- Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?
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Other interactions of Metformin-pioglitazone
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Ethinylestradiol with Metformin-pioglitazone?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Ethinylestradiol and Metformin-pioglitazone can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Pioglitazone has been associated with reduced ethinylestradiol exposure, which could theoretically lower contraceptive reliability. Ethinylestradiol may also impair glucose tolerance and slightly oppose the effect of metformin and pioglitazone.
How serious is the interaction between Ethinylestradiol and Metformin-pioglitazone?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Advise use of a back-up contraceptive method or a non-hormonal option if contraception is critical. Monitor blood glucose when starting or stopping the contraceptive.
What other medicines interact with Metformin-pioglitazone?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Metformin-pioglitazone with, for example, Contrast media, Diatrizoate meglumine / diatrizoate, Diatrizoate. The full list is on the Metformin-pioglitazone page.
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